If you were recently married, you may be able to change your last name to your spouse’s last name without a court order by providing proof of your marriage to the social security office and driver’s license office. If you need a court order, you can use the forms in this toolkit.

Can I use these forms to change my name if I am under 18?

No. You must be at least 18 years old to use these forms. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian can ask the court to change your name using the forms found in this toolkit: I want to change my child’s name.

How much will it cost to change my name?

The court filing fee may be between $150 - $300 depending on where you live. Contact the district clerk’s office in your county to learn the filing fee for an adult name change. If you have a low-income, you can ask the Court to waive the filing fee by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form. Learn more here: Court Fees and Fee Waivers.

You must also pay to be fingerprinted and, in some counties, pay for a criminal background check.

My name is misspelled on my birth certificate. Do I need a court order to correct the spelling of my name?

You may be able to correct the spelling of your name without going to court. Contact the Texas Vital Statistics Unit to discuss your situation. If you need a court order, you can use the forms in this toolkit.

The name on my birth certificate is different from the name I have always used. Do I need a court order to change my name?

You will probably need a court order to change your name from the name currently on your birth certificate to the name you have always used. You can contact the Texas Vital Statistics Unit to discuss your situation. If you need a court order, you can use the forms in this toolkit.

I was recently divorced. Will my last name change back to the name I used before my marriage?

If the court ordered your name changed in your Final Decree of Divorce, your name is changed. However, it is your responsibility to have your official documents (such as your social security card and driver’s license or state identification card) changed to show your new name.

If the court did not order your name changed in your Final Decree of Divorce, your name is not changed.

Will my child’s name automatically change when I change my name?

No. Changing a child’s name is a different process and requires different forms. If you want to change your child’s name, use the forms found in this toolkit: I want to change my child’s name.